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Wednesday, 28 December 2016

Welcome to 'Where When How Wednesday'. In these weekly posts I'll be interviewing creatives about their journey into the creative world, their works, and what makes them tick. This week I'm interviewing Miss Pixie, a talented model based in Cardiff.

Firstly, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for me. We should probably start at the beginning...when and how did you come about getting into the world of modelling?

'I had a friend who was doing some glamour modelling at the time so I joined her on a shoot to see what it was like. At the time I was more interested in alternative fashion modelling rather than glamour, but this was my first introduction to the camera and my friend Tammy was so helpful when I was first starting out.'

Most things, especially online, tend to fall into specific genres and/or gets described as being a specific style. The trouble with this is it's quite subjective, the style someone views something to be can often differ to the style the person creating it views it as. How would you describe the work you are putting out there?

'I try to do as many styles as I can to keep things interesting. I feel the work I put out on my website and places like Purpleport has some artistic merit but I've had some trouble other places on the internet. One person can look at what I would consider a beautiful artistic nude image and consider it art and another person can view it as pornography. It's a tricky subject.'

Photography, modelling and their related skills, as with most things, can have their share of problems. I personally have a particular problem with self confidence. This confidence issue can and has caused me issues with my photography. Do you find any aspects of modelling particularly challenging?

'I think most people have some issues with confidence if they are models, photographers, artists or most other jobs. I have days that I feel confident and the shoot is going great and other days when the lighting isn't so flattering and I think my nose looks huge in every image. It's hard not to be vain as a model! Another problem is that you meet so many photographers, models, make up artists etc...I try my hardest to get along with everybody but sadly it doesn't always work out like that. These days I stay well away from any gossip and I just turn up to the shoot to do my job which I love.'

In my series 'Foto Inspiration Friday' I share the people, images, places etc that I find give me inspiration. Who, or what, or where do you draw inspiration from?

'I'm probably most inspired by my good friends who are out there doing what they love it doesn't matter if it's there full time job or just a hobby. I also love Instagram for a bit of daily inspiration. I follow models, photographers, fitness pages, craft pages and all sorts of awesome people.'

Sometimes images hold a special significance to us. It can be the first image we ever made, it can be an image drawing attention to a cause close to our hearts, it can simply be an image of someone we love. Do you have an image or images that hold a special significance to you?

'I have an image of myself and my awesome friend Ryo Love in a boat taken on a freezing cold day in February by crazy talented photographer Salleh Sparrow. It's one that's really special to me as the shoot was an amazing team effort and the image makes me think of our crazy friendship and all the things we've been through together.'

Photoshoots can sometimes leave you open to scary or funny situations. What's the scariest or funniest situation you've found yourself in on a shoot?

'Probably too many to remember but recently I did a photo shoot that involved someone throwing water balloons at my head. The photos are actually incredible and nobody was harmed with water balloons but it was a little bit crazy.'

We've talked about your start, we've talked about your current work, let's quickly chat about the future. What have you got coming up this year, more of the same? Any special projects? Plus in regards to a more long term plan, where are you hoping your creative journey will take you in the years to come?

'I plan on ageing disgracefully and I hope to be out there making images for quite a few years to come. I work hard at the gym to stay in shape so I won't be going away soon. One thing I've learned over the last couple of years though is that sometimes less is more. It's not about being the busiest model and doing all of the shoots you can. I want to love every shoot that I do and sometimes it's important to have a break or a rest.'

When I speak to photographers I ask about their gear, it's only fair you get to geek out too...do you have any go to items you can't live without?

'I'm a big fan of gorgeous lingerie, latex fashion and have a bit of a weakness for beautiful shoes. Last year I sold a lot of my modelling wardrobe. You can only have and use so much stuff I guess! It's great to have some really unique things that you can bring to a shoot, but photographers also request more basic items a lot such as a white shirt, a little black dress, denim shorts, black heels, white and black lingerie sets.'

I'd like to thank Miss Pixie again for taking the time to answer a few questions for me, be sure to check out all the links above for more of her work, as well as the links attached to the images for the other creatives involved in creating them.

Wednesday, 21 December 2016

Welcome to 'Where When How Wednesday'. In these weekly posts I'll be interviewing creatives about their journey into the creative world, their works, and what makes them tick. This week I'm interviewing Nicola Paparazzo, a talented model based in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Hi Nicola, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for me. We should probably start at the beginning...when and how did you come about getting into the world of modelling?

'I started out about 8 years ago modelling for friends studying fashion and design at informal events but it wasn't something that I had considered taking up on a regular basis. I then got asked to take part in a charity calendar and did that and enjoyed it. Once that got published and the images were available to the public I got a few messages from other photographers wanting to collaborate on some of their ongoing projects, that is when I decided to put the images to some use and create an online portfolio.'

Most things, especially online, tend to fall into specific genres and/or gets described as being a specific style. The trouble with this is it's quite subjective, the style someone views something to be can often differ to the style the person creating it views it as. How would you describe the work you are putting out there?

'I wouldn't say that my work is boxed in to a particular category. I started off more on the glamour side, then my collection of tattoos slowly grew so I suppose I would then fall more into the alternative sector. I try not to do too many shoots that are very similar as I don't want to come across as a one trick pony. Recently I've been involved in more commercial and fashion modelling.'

Photography, modelling and their related skills, as with most things, can have their share of problems. I personally have a particular problem with self confidence. This confidence issue can and has caused me issues with my photography. Do you find any aspects of modelling particularly challenging?

'I wouldn't say I find any of it particularly challenging. I guess the most challenging thing would probably be the communications side of things. We're all human with our own families and commitments and our focus can sometimes be swayed by other things but I do find people's flakiness and unreliability can be an issue. There's nothing more frustrating than putting weeks, sometimes months worth of thought into a shoot and getting prepared for it only to have the photographer (or other models) suddenly message a day before the shoot to say they can't do it because their pet hamster has a tummy ache. Luckily I haven't had it happen much.'

In my series 'Foto Inspiration Friday' I share the people, images, places etc that I find give me inspiration. Who, or what, or where do you draw inspiration from?

'I follow a lot of my favourite models and photographers on the likes of Instagram so I am constantly being inspired by their creativity and ideas. I also love underwater photographs and anything macabre so I do find myself being drawn to these and thinking up shoot ideas and wanting to push myself to deliver a high level of image with each shoot.'

Sometimes images hold a special significance to us. It can be the first image we ever made, it can be an image drawing attention to a cause close to our hearts, it can simply be an image of someone we love. Do you have an image or images that hold a special significance to you?

'There was a shoot that I did in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland about 6 months ago with Conor Kerr and the images I received from that are quite close to my heart. I was going through a really bad time in my home life and wasn't feeling great but really enjoyed that day and location. I am from Belfast originally so it was lovely getting to combine it with seeing all my family and forgetting about things whilst concentrating on getting some fabulous images.'

Photoshoots can sometimes leave you open to scary or funny situations. What's the scariest or funniest situation you've found yourself in on a shoot?

'I was booked for a stunt bike shoot for a company called Acklams Beta based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. When I turned up I found out I would be posing with a huge boa constrictor. Whilst I don't have a phobia of snakes, I had never been that up close and personal with one before. The snake's owner tried to assure me by telling me, "she doesn't usually bite, and I fed her yesterday so she should be ok.... just unravel her if she starts wrapping around you too much..." then gestured towards 4 guys stood in the doorway 'just in case' anything happened! As it happened we got along famously and I even kept her wrapped around my shoulders whilst we checked out the raw images. I guess you could say I became a snake convert!'

We've talked about your start, we've talked about your current work, let's quickly chat about the future. What have you got coming up this year, more of the same? Any special projects? Plus in regards to a more long term plan, where are you hoping your creative journey will take you in the years to come?

'This next year I'm hoping to invest some more time into my modelling and aim to of worked with at least 3 of my top 5 UK photographers just as a personal goal. I will also be taking part in a lot of joint shoots with fellow alt models that have been in discussion but not happened yet just due to logistics. I will be continuing to be heavily involved in the designer clothing brand Bolongaro Trevor modelling their new collections and showcasing them at their seasonal fashion shows. I will also be the face of an awesome tattoo studio in Liverpool owned by Adam Griffiths, called Idol Hand, check it out if you're looking for any new artwork! I have a special project coming up with Leeds photographer Waseem Sadiq (Silverfox Studios) that we have been planning for quite awhile with a surreal Red Riding Hood theme.'

When I speak to photographers I ask about their gear, it's only fair you get to geek out too...do you have any go to items you can't live without?

'I'd never turn up to any shoot without a good makeup kit, hairspray, a couple of pairs of black/neutral coloured heels, at least one black underwear set and of course my mobile phone in case of any last minute communication required with the photographer. I'd say these were essentials that any model would need to have with them regardless of shoot style.'

I'd like to thank Nicola again for taking the time to answer a few questions for me, be sure to check out all the links above for more of her work, as well as the links attached to the images for the other creatives involved in creating them.

Tuesday, 20 December 2016

As seems to be par for the course of late, I find myself ranting at you again... It's not my fault, my wife, who I normally rant at, is both fed up of hearing it, and fast asleep due to the wonder that is Fibromyalgia ('Proof Reading Wife' here....my apologies ha!).

In recent weeks a "celebrity" who is famous because, how shall I put this, their sister played with a gentleman's sausage and the tape was "leaked" (PRW - he's not really slut shaming, he just gets a teeny bit worked up now and again!), released a calendar. A calendar shot by a notorious sexual predator with a penchant for livestock (I haven't named them, I can't be sued right?). Whilst I have defended said "celebrity", and their family, in the past, and, admittedly, I am impressed with the fortune amassed from one crappy homemade porno (not that I've seen it.....), the recent events, in my mind, are indefensible.

The "photographer" who shot the calendar has, over many, many years, had more accusations of sexual assault and/or improper conduct made against them than Bill Cosby (too soon? Ok then, whichever part of our childhood is ruined this week!). The difference? Our childhood tv icons are actually been investigated and brought to justice where warranted. This "photographer", and I use the term loosely, seems to wriggle out of it time and time again, because the model's careers are obliterated by the "photographer's" pals. This makes the accusations seem like the rantings of a bitter reject, rather than what they are, the account of a victim.

Said "celebrity", having shot with the "photographer", other celebrities the "photographer" has and will shoot with, and the companies that call the "photographer" an 'artistic genius', are not only fueling this behaviour, but they're giving the impression to the public that this behaviour is acceptable within the artistic world...by the way, just in case you're unsure, it is not! Whilst this itself is both wrong and rage inducing, this lack of accountability, putting it down to 'the artistic process' or 'the soul of an artist', is also extremely dangerous. This widely publicised notion that 'it's ok because they're an artist' will, and has, lead to others trying it.

If you look at any model photography forum, Facebook group, hell some interviews here on my blog, not only does this shit happen, but it seems to be increasing in frequency. You see countless screen grabs of messages sent by photographers to models, messages that make 50 Shades look like The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Then there's the shit that has actually happened on shoots!

As long as high profile people such as the earlier mentioned "photographer" continue to get away with their cancerous actions, and as long as celebrities condone the behaviour by gushing about 'artistic process' and 'artistic temperament', it will continue to happen.

Wednesday, 14 December 2016

Welcome to 'Where When How Wednesday'. In these weekly posts I'll be interviewing creatives about their journey into the creative world, their works, and what makes them tick. This week I'm interviewing Amy Coco, a talented model based in Bolton, Lancashire.

Hi Amy, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for me. We should probably start at the beginning...when and how did you come about getting into the world of modelling?

'When I was a toddler, my brother, aged 7, entered a modelling competition and won. He was signed by a child modelling agency who later took me on aged 3 after seeing me also. We both had white blonde hair and were extremely cute at the time. We modeled for magazines, banks, pub advertisements, TV adverts and holiday brochures, even travelling to Portugal once to shoot in the sun. We modeled throughout our childhood until my brother reached high school when my parents decided missing entire days of school often was no longer acceptable and maintained that our education was more important.When I was 18 and studying in London I started to search online for modelling opportunities as people had always mentioned that my full lips and high cheekbones could serve me well as a model. I ended up meeting a photographer who wanted me to model at a motorbike show. Next I met a photographer in Liverpool who did my very first portfolio images and I loved them! I knew I wanted to pursue things further. It is then when I started to join online communities like Madcow Models and Purpleport, which really pushed my career, eventually leading to paid work.'

Most things, especially online, tend to fall into specific genres and/or gets described as being a specific style. The trouble with this is it's quite subjective, the style someone views something to be can often differ to the style the person creating it views it as. How would you describe the work you are putting out there?

'I would describe my work as classy high fashion and editorial style fashion and lingerie modelling. I enjoy creating images that have elegance and class, an arty feel with emotion behind the images. I wouldn't like to create merely anything that can be found in your standard lads mag or on page 3 of tabloid newspapers. I have nothing against this style, however I prefer my work to be very tasteful.'

Photography, modelling and their related skills, as with most things, can have their share of problems. I personally have a particular problem with self confidence. This confidence issue can and has caused me issues with my photography. Do you find any aspects of modelling particularly challenging?'I too have issues with self confidence and self image. In some ways I would say that modelling has actually helped boost my levels of confidence and self esteem, especially when I have worked with very talented photographers who have helped create high quality images of me and I have thought to myself 'wow! I look good!'. Also when people are willing to pay me for my work it is always a confidence boost. However, being the centre of attention and looking back on images of myself can take it's toll with my self esteem. I can at times absolutely hate the way I look on certain images and feel that I am letting people down who are paying for my time. Although I do have to keep reminding myself that what I see a lot of the time differs from how others see me.'

In my series 'Foto Inspiration Friday' I share the people, images, places etc that I find give me inspiration. Who, or what, or where do you draw inspiration from?

'I get lots of inspiration from Kate Moss and consider her my favourite model. I love her look and style and her rock star image has always been something I admire. Another inspiration for me is my photographer boyfriend Andy Park, who is extremely talented and creates images that I'd love to come out of every shoot with. I love his work and tend to strive to achieve similar work in terms of style and quality.'

Sometimes images hold a special significance to us. It can be the first image we ever made, it can be an image drawing attention to a cause close to our hearts, it can simply be an image of someone we love. Do you have an image or images that hold a special significance to you?

'During a photoshoot me and my brother were asked to act natural and just be ourselves. The image that was chosen to be used is my mum's favorite and she describes it as typical of us both. Steven has a cheeky smile and I have my hand over his face, looking disinterested. It reminds me of our childhood relationship and the importance of family.'

Photoshoots can sometimes leave you open to scary or funny situations. What's the scariest or funniest situation you've found yourself in on a shoot?

'Shooting can be a good laugh, however I once did a shoot that resulted in me having a stalker! The website I met the photographer on was not very well renowned for its safety and I no longer use it to find work. It's quite funny to look back on but was very scary at the time!'

We've talked about your start, we've talked about your current work, let's quickly chat about the future. What have you got coming up this year, more of the same? Any special projects? Plus in regards to a more long term plan, where are you hoping your creative journey will take you in the years to come?

'At the end of the year and beginning of next year I have a few tours planned and hope to visit Exeter, London and more with another model. This could lead to more tours all around the country and even to shooting abroad! I have recently finished my degree and am hoping to pursue a career in law or journalism, although I plan to continue modelling part time until I reach my late 30s I hope.'

I'd like to thank Amy again for taking the time to answer a few questions for me, be sure to check out all the links above for more of her work, as well as the links attached to the images for the other creatives involved in creating them.

Wednesday, 7 December 2016

Welcome to 'Where When How Wednesday'. In these weekly posts I'll be interviewing creatives about their journey into the creative world, their works, and what makes them tick. This week I'm interviewing Petra Callisto, a talented model based in Reading.

Hi Petra, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for me. We should probably start at the beginning...when and how did you come about getting into the world of modelling?

'Six years ago when I was pregnant with my eldest, I was under the impression that I could eat for two, and rapidly grew a lot larger than I am now. My Mum convinced me to join the gym, supposedly to accompany her, but the gym buddy didn't last too long! So I sweated and pumped for a year, and managed with the help of a personal trainer to shrink three dress sizes. The weight loss gave me a new found confidence in my body and Glenn Wallace of Creative Instincts convinced me to have my first photoshoot. It was worrying at first, being in lingerie and a pair of stockings in the grounds of a very posh hotel, but the confidence was growing and growing. Seeing the results, which I originally intended to keep for myself, Glenn convinced me to join PurplePort, and after some convincing, I did. The positive comments and offers of work were so encouraging that I felt great, and here we are today!'

Most things, especially online, tend to fall into specific genres and/or gets described as being a specific style. The trouble with this is it's quite subjective, the style someone views something to be can often differ to the style the person creating it views it as. How would you describe the work you are putting out there?

'I've always said that one person's art is another person's porn, or that we can't please everyone with our work. Sadly this is something I experienced first hand. I would always describe my work as tasteful, however an ex partner took it upon himself to make some very judgmental comments about my work. He took it upon himself to inform me that my family would be disgusted with my "modelling". Yes, that's him putting it in inverted comma's, not me. I felt so low I thought there might be something wrong with me as a person, so I took it upon myself to show my family some of my work, before he could. Their advice was "you're an adult, you do what you please." I'm so glad that I continued and didn’t let one person's narrow mindedness alter who I am, and would hate anyone else to go through the same. So I would describe my work as tasteful, a little bit cheeky sometimes, but something that I put my heart and soul into and I am so, so proud of.'

Photography, modelling and their related skills, as with most things, can have their share of problems. I personally have a particular problem with self confidence. This confidence issue can and has caused me issues with my photography. Do you find any aspects of modelling particularly challenging?

'I think most people struggle with self confidence at different times of their lives and many things can influence this. As I described above, when my ex partner was challenging my modelling, my self confidence couldn't be lower. I got stuck in a rut in the first eight months of my modelling, and thought "I'm expressionless, my face never changes, I just pout." So, I asked one of my best friends, Alan of ADWsPhotos to help me, it works amazingly working with someone you know so well and are so similar to! It's important to have someone you can rely on, a close friend, someone you can rant at, someone who boosts your morale, and makes you feel great about yourself. Sometimes I'll look at my work and think "why do I question my ability so much." But even though sometimes you question yourself, it's important to either take time out when you need to, or bite the bullet, take pride in what you do and crack on.'

In my series 'Foto Inspiration Friday' I share the people, images, places etc that I find give me inspiration. Who, or what, or where do you draw inspiration from?

'It might sound cliché, but I find a lot of my inspiration from other people here on PurplePort, whether it be a shoot idea that I can adapt and make my own, or I like their processing and I think, I'd like to try and edit like that. I find a lot of inspiration in old, abandoned buildings. They have so much character and I love to try and incorporate some of the "feeling" of these places in my work. I love to throw ideas at Alan, sometimes he'll say "no that's not good", often we just wing it and hope for the best. Some of what I think our strongest photos have come from him saying "umm, really?" And I insist that we give them a go! Here are a few examples:

Just a bunch of Sunflowers that I was given by a friend, but I thought they would be great to use as a prop before they died. I knew exactly how I wanted to edit this set and I'm really pleased with the results. The great painter Jack Vettriano is also hugely influential. His work is timeless, often a little riske, and I find it just beautiful. I love going into the gallery locally and dreaming of purchasing a piece, but for the time being I had to attempt a copy:'

Sometimes images hold a special significance to us. It can be the first image we ever made, it can be an image drawing attention to a cause close to our hearts, it can simply be an image of someone we love. Do you have an image or images that hold a special significance to you?

This is my Grandma's ancient coat which had been sat in her cupboard for years. I have fond memories of snuggling under this coat in the Winter at her house drinking a cup of warm milk at bedtime, and when she saw the photoshoot results her face lit up. It was lovely to see. I like to look back at some of my older work and think how much I'm improved and learn what I can do better next time. It's all great fun and a learning curve.'

Photoshoots can sometimes leave you open to scary or funny situations. What's the scariest or funniest situation you've found yourself in on a shoot?

The other side of this window was a drop of about 200 feet and for someone with a fear of heights...I had nightmares for weeks about that window falling through and me plummeting to my death! Michael Nutt also took me to an old derelict location and the floor, as often is the case in these locations was a bit worse for wear in places, and made of iron grating. You could see all the way down to the ground from four floors up. I'm feeling a bit sick typing this. But, as I often say, we suffer for our art, and I think the results were worth it!

As for the funniest thing to happen on a shoot, I recently shot at Waverley Abbey with Mike Stone and Charlotte Sophie. We started off shooting some fashion and portraits, but then, as often happens with me, the clothes came off to shoot some art nude. Thinking there wouldn’t be many people around on a lovely Summer evening, we were proved very wrong when a tour group of about 40 people turned up. Cue a quick throwing on of a dress to protect my modesty, but then the group started trying to take their own photos too!'

We've talked about your start, we've talked about your current work, let's quickly chat about the future. What have you got coming up this year, more of the same? Any special projects? Plus in regards to a more long term plan, where are you hoping your creative journey will take you in the years to come?

'I don’t have a great future plan, I tend to go with the flow. I'm hoping that the next year brings much of the same, meeting great people, having fun and letting out my creative side in my work. I've also got into photography myself, albeit mostly children at the moment. I'm hoping to find a model who can sit or stand still for a little longer so my photos aren't blurry'

When I speak to photographers I ask about their gear, it's only fair you get to geek out too...do you have any go to items you can't live without?

'I couldn’t live without a new miracle product I've found. Its called Glam Glow. It's a green face mask that states that it makes your skin photo ready, and it doesn’t disappoint. My kids love when I plaster that on and look like the incredible Hulk. Also make up wise, I swear by Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. It stays put all day and is great under hot studio lights.'

I'd like to thank Petra again for taking the time to answer a few questions for me, be sure to check out all the links above for more of her work, as well as the links attached to the images for the other creatives involved in creating them.

Tuesday, 6 December 2016

As someone within the photography world, travelling somewhere you don't really know is likely to happen at some point. With that in mind, and with a deep love for food....so deep my wife worries I love pizza more than I love her...I came up with 'Travelling Creative Tuesday'. In 'Travelling Creative Tuesday' I, and guest writers will be sharing useful tips and amenities for travelling creatives, be they places to get food, studios, locations, accommodation...if it's useful, or supplies food, we'll be sharing it.

This week Derek (Derek268 on Purpleport) tells you about his studio and accommodation, available in Cornwall.

Main Studio - Window End

Within my area (near St Austell), accommodation is few and far between for models and photographers, usually being the type that caters for standard holiday visitors. I offer affordable facilities for models and photographers, and thereby encourage them to visit this most beautiful part of the UK, and to give our local Photographers the chance to shoot with models they would not normally get the chance to work with.

Main Studio - Backdrop End

The house is a large detached, with a secluded garden (perfect for topping up your tan for shoots, as there are no overlooking neighbours), and off street parking. It has 2 double & 1 single bedroom available to use, a large bathroom with bath and shower etc, which is also available for photo shoots. A further double bedroom is also available for photo shoots, which has good natural light, and decoration of oriental type (see images).

Downstairs Hall

The main studio is 37ft x 14ft with 8ft ceiling, and has a variety of shooting areas (see images). Floor to ceiling windows at one end provide plenty of natural light, with a side window providing extra. There are various lights (strobes/speedlites/continious/beauty dishes/softboxes/grids/modifiers). There is also a variety of props, and floor finishes which can be used to provide a variety of scenarios.

Bedroom

There are other areas that can also be used for shoots, such as large hall area with stairs and landing. A large modern kitchen. An area known as “the tunnel” which is outdoors but with a roof, which is used for Urbex type shoots. The tunnel is 45ft x 10ft with 9.6ft roof, and was originally the drive through to the garage in the rear garden. This has a variety of props suitable for Urbex type shoots, and has reasonable natural light from 4 arched windows along its length, artificial light can be used as it is all under cover and has electrical sockets.

Main Studio - Vinyl Backdrop

The house is situated on the outskirts of a Cornish village, near St Austell. There is a very good Chinese Takeaway, 1 Pub, and a Spar shop. There are no McDonalds or similar, unless you drive into St Austell which is about 7 miles away. There is a lot of secluded country side within easy walking distance of the house, and a number of old structures left over from the days of the clay mining activities. These now make interesting back drops for photoshoots, nude if you are discreet (as is with most places, you get the occasional dog walker in certain parts, and nobody at all in others). There is also a beach around 20/30 minute drive away, depending on traffic.

Bathroom - Shower End

To get to the house, it is about 1.5 miles off the A30, just passed the village of Bugle. If you are coming by coach or train, I can collect you, for a small £5 charge.

Main Studio - Red Backdrop

The accommodation and studio is available through out the year, but is not for holiday accommodation, it is for people serious about making art. Models who wish to stay it will cost you 1 hour 'TF' shoot per night.

Main Studio

Studio hire cost is £12 per 2 hours or £20 per 4 hours, but it must be booked, as many local models and photographers use the studio facilities.

Main Studio - Alternate Backdrop

I'll finish by giving you a little information about me. I am a retired engineer, who has been a keen amateur photographer for many years. I am a vegetarian, but will cater for carnivores. I am what others call a good cook, although if you want to do your own cooking, I am happy to let you.

Rear Of Garden

I hope the above has tempted you to visit, and if you require further information, you can contact me on Purpleport.

I'd like to thank Derek for taking the time to share some information about his studio and accomodation facilities. Be sure to check out his Purpleport page for more images created within his studio.

Monday, 5 December 2016

It's a fascinating collection of images, information, and video material. Amongst the images some very important moments from history are captured. From Hitler's rise to power, to the moon landing. From the mushroom cloud over Nagasaki, to the first X-ray image. From the racial tension in 50's America, to the modern day plight of Syrian refugees brought to our attention by the death of 3 year old Alan Kurdi (originally reported as Aylan Kurdi). The project features many powerful, and life altering images...however, there's also a f*****g selfie!

Within a group of images, many of which can bring people to tears just by looking at them, me included (a 30 year, dour Yorkshireman), is a f*****g group selfie of 12 'famous' people grinning like moronic jack o lanterns, at an awards bash, all for the purpose of selling a chuffing phone. The reason for it's inclusion on the list? After it was taken, Ellen DeGeneres posted it on Twitter and it received 3 million+ retweets, more than any photo in history (a fact which tells a sad story on its own).

Of all the images we could choose to re-share. Images which cast light upon a plight we could help, bringing to light a wrong that we could right (it sounds rather like I'm giving a rousing speech, à la Cap in any Marvel film!), immortalising an important event that will have an impact on not only our lives, but also upon the lives of our future generations. Instead, we re-share the image of a group of millionaires, basking in their own reflected glory, at an award show where votes are cast by their friends...why?

Whilst I have no issue with selfies, hell I quite enjoy seeing them from time to time, there is no way a selfie should have ended up on such a list. They are, at the most, snapshots of a behind the scenes moment. They're great for showing what's going into making the film you'll be watching in six months time, or behind the scenes of the photo editorial you'll see in the next issue of Vogue, or quickly showing your friends your new lipstick colour, but 99% of the time they have no real substance...and this one is no exception!

Initially I was intending this post to lay the blame for the inclusion of the selfie with TIME, they were, after all, the people who picked the image. After reading their reasoning for it's inclusion, I can't lay all the blame at their door. The blame falls mainly on us, the viewers...and a little on the daft, and often unnecessary censorship enforced by 'social media'. You know the sort, the 'omg one third of a female nipple is visible, the world is doomed, it's going to IMPLODE!!!' Stay with me, my reasoning will become clear..ish!

Whether through our own choice, or through 'social media' censorship, we can often find ourselves oblivious to the world as a whole (I am including myself in this!). We're gradually being conditioned to look at such unimportant shit! More often than not if an image of some importance pops up on our Facebook timeline, or Twitter feed, we will just skip past it to see what Kim Kardashian got from Starbucks this morning, and how her arse looked. The odd time we grow a pair and try look at an important, or difficult image, we find it was 'removed for violating policy'. Take Facebook for example, a few months ago they removed not just the Nick Ut image 'The Terror Of War' but the full post/link featuring it. Possibly one of the most heartbreaking yet important images ever taken...quick side note, I think those in the position to start a war should be forced to look at such images whilst deciding if their war would be 'justifiable'!

Thanks to all this, the younger generations are growing up seeing what large companies, governments etc want them to see. If we look at Ut's photo we see an example of the documentation of the Vietnam War which horrified the American people, and changed the tide of public opinion. Some of the photos included in TIME's list are incredibly important, just as important today as they were when they were taken. They shed light on hidden places and people, documented the world, good and bad. Then we get the selfie. Could there be anything more vapid to represent our increasingly vapid modern society?